Best time to visit British Columbia
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
Best time of year to visit British Columbia
The shoulder season from April to early June and September to October is the best time to visit British Columbia for those seeking great deals or solitude during the hikes across Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park and West Coast Trail. Early autumn might be busy and rainy, but the foliage hues during that time are unbelievable, especially when viewed from the Rocky Mountaineer Train. November to March period brings snowy weather, perfect for skiing in at Whistler Blackcomb. Awe-seekers will enjoy spotting Northern Lights and watching an unforgettable storm in Tofino. Summer is the busiest time in British Columbia, gathering both tourists and whales, but there is plenty of space for everyone. The only crowded places are Shambhala Music Festival or Vancouver Island Musicfest.
24 THINGS TO DO IN BRITISH COLUMBIA (AUGUST 18 - AUGUST 27)
Grizzly Bear Watching
Take a close look at grizzly black bears in the mountains
Rocky Mountaineer Train
This is more than just a train!
Spirit Bears
Immerse yourself in Canadian wilderness and meet the rare Spirit Bear
Kayaking
Enjoy a perfect day or two on kayak, surrounded by gorgeous nature and an amazing variety of wildlife
Seal Pups
If you have never seen seals before, British Columbia is a great viewing spot. Come in summer for the adorable pups!
Spotted Lake
Unique beauty and creative work of minerals can be observed on the Spotted Lake during summer
Takakkaw Falls & Twin Falls
The most picturesque part of Yoho National Park
Fishing
Salmon is just one of many reasons to try fishing in British Columbia. Come and enjoy world class deep sea fishing together with river fishing
Seafood Season
If you are a seafood fan, late spring is the right time to visit the B.C. and Vancouver restaurants and enjoy a variety of sea fish dishes
Othello Tunnels, Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park
See the legendary cliffs from 'First Blood', where Rambo was hanging above a raging river
The Great Divide Trail
This great corridor along the Canadian Rocky Mountains divides two of Canada's provinces
Summer Fruits and Veggies
Fresh local food is ready for you! Come and enjoy various food festivals and fresh farmers' markets
Sky Walking at Mt. Nimbus
Most remote and probably the most beautiful via ferrata walk in Canada
Golf
Stunning views and plenty of gorgeous, pristine courses await you
Okanagan Grape Harvest
Explore the province's best and most picturesque wineries
Birdwatching
Relish the birding experience in southern British Columbia
Landslide Lake
One of the best hikes on Vancouver Island
West Coast Trail
Enjoy this stunning coastal trail as you walk in the footsteps of the First Nation ancestors
Skookumchuck Narrows
Enjoy one of the greatest natural spectacles of British Columbia
Floe Lake
Cobalt lake lying at the foot of the picturesque mountains
Lake Lovely Water
A stunning alpine lake surrounded by the Tantalus Mountain Range
Juan de Fuca Trail
A beautiful Vancouver Island trail featuring Jordan river, Mystic Beach and other attractions
Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park
Hiking, fishing, canoeing and kayaking destination
Mount Cheam
A beautiful hike in Canadian Cascades with blooming wildflowers along the way
20 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE
Celebration of Light
Don't miss one of the most spectacular sound and light events in the world!
Salmon Run
Every four years, millions of sockeye salmon traverse thousands of kilometers of sea and freshwater to die for their babies—this is the severity of mother nature's laws
Thanksgiving
Being mainly a family holiday, Thanksgiving is a great time to taste traditional dishes and observe different customs
Vancouver Island Musicfest
Check out this amazing weekend among gorgeous nature and with great music!
Bald Eagle Count
Thousands of bald eagles can be observed near the lakesides. You can even volunteer and take part in the huge counting expedition
Shambhala Music Festival
Come and enjoy one of the largest electronic music festivals in Canada
Storm Watching in Tofino
A natural phenomenon of impressive scale
Northern Lights
With a bit of luck you can watch aurora borealis in Vancouver
Vancouver Fashion Week
Sensational selection of designers is awaiting you at the second largest fashion week across North America
Vancouver International Jazz Festival
The largest music festival in British Columbia with 1800 artists and over half a million jazz fans
Crankworx Whistler
A massive celebration of elite-level mountain biking
Skiing & Snowboarding
Charming nature, jaw-dropping views, and world class slopes and trails can be found skiing around Vancouver
Vancouver Christmas Market
An Old World tradition that has become a favourite for locals
Abbotsford Tulip Festival
Breathtaking display of millions of flowers
Game Meats, Pacific Oysters, and Sea Urchin
Late autumn and winter bring game meats and tasty seafood on the table. Choose your favourite!
Seasons Festival
A mix of music, technology and new media art
Vancouver Santa Claus Parade
The largest Christmas Parade in Western Canada
Vancouver Folk Music Festival
Enjoy the magical ambience of the festival for the whole family
GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon
Gain yourself an unmatchable running experience in all of the West Coast
Cherry Blossom in Victoria
A quintessential part of spring in the capital of British Columbia
